Chapter 4

Summary:

 Chapter four begins by pointing out the increasing diversity of U.S. families. The author challenges us to imagine immigration and the way we relate to the diversity around us as a continuum. On the one hand there is assimilation where an ethnic group becomes completely integrated into the dominant culture and on the other hand there is cultural pluralism where an ethnic group retains their own culture. In the middle lies acculturation where a group accepts the language, culture, values etc… of the dominant group yet still keeps some of their cultural identity. The chapter also makes a point of emphasizing that race and ethnicity still matter. The book defines a minority group as a group of people who are treated differently because of physical or cultural characteristics.  A dominant group is defined as the group with the most privileges and power. A racial group is defined as a category of people who share characteristics that people in a society consider important whereas an ethnic group is defined as a set of people who identify with a particular nation origin or cultural heritage. The book uses the term racial-ethnic in order to encompass both the physical characteristics and cultural traits. The next topics discussed are the concepts of racism, prejudice, and discrimination. According to the text, racism is most harmful when physical and cultural differences justify the domination of the dominant group. Similarly, prejudice is an attitude that causes us to prejudge a group based on certain characteristics.

            The next section of the chapter outlines the different types of racial-ethnic families in the U.S., the first of which is African American families. Gender roles in an African American family are egalitarian rather than the more popular portrayal of African American families as matriarchal.  African American fathers make an active effort to be a large part of their children’s lives. These close relationships produce many advantages including greater educational success. Still, black children are the most likely race to be raised by only one parent. The chapter reminds us of the fact that many low-income African American families are still segregated into high-poverty neighborhoods. These conditions lead to many negative outcomes including unemployment and poor education.

            The next family to be discussed is the American Indian family. American Indians are a very heterogeneous group due to the variety of tribes. More American Indian children live with both parents than children of the general population. Giving their children ample attention is of great importance to American Indian families. In addition to a child’s parents, a child’s elders (grandparents etc.) have a large role in a child’s care and  upbringing. One great strength of the American Indian family is their relational bonding, which is the sharing of important values among the clan and the kin group.

            Latino families are the next to be discussed in chapter 4. The chapter notes the great diversity within Latino families and instead aims to focus on the shared characteristics. The chapter notes the concept of machismo, which is the stereotypical view of the Latino male as dominant, aggressive womanizers. The stereotype of the Latino woman as virginal and self-sacrificing is called Marianismo. One important part of the Latino family is their emphasis on the extended family and their reliance on the extended family for economic and emotional support.

            Asian American families are the next to be addressed in the chapter. Many Asian American families follow the patriarchal gender role structure. The strongest relationships within the family are between the parent and children rather than the spouses. In addition, Asian American parents tend to have more control over their children than other races.  One of the strengths of the Asian American family is the encouragement from children’s parents to succeed in school.

            Finally, Middle Eastern families are discussed. The Middle East includes about 30 countries. Of great importance to Middle Eastern families is having children. Nuclear families are the norm but extended families are still very important. The chapter notes distinct gender roles and a double standard that young girls and boys are treated with. Finally, Many Middle Eastern families overcome the prejudice and discrimination through their strong family ties and religious beliefs that bind a community together.

            The chapter concludes by addressing interracial marriage rates, which have been rising slowly since 1967. One of the reasons for interracial marriage is the close proximity by which races are intermingling in schools and workplaces.

 Something New/ Interesting

            I went to a high school with a large number of Asian Americans. We always joked about how much more successful the Asian American students were than the white American students in our class. However, I was never aware that this is actually a sociological concept that has been studied academically. This idea of Asian Americans as a model minority has actually been argued to be a myth that causes racial stereotyping and harm to the racial group.  One of the dangers I found to be most compelling was that the model minority myth camouflages actual ongoing racial discrimination by blaming the victim. In other words if some group doesn’t succeed, it’s the groups fault, not the fault of racism or social policies. In addition, this stereotype denies its members’ any kind of individuality. Asian students may be pressured to become doctors and engineers instead of pursuing their true interests in dance, theatre, or a social science.

Discussion Point

            At the opening of each section discussing the different types of racial-ethnic families, the author cautions that there is great diversity within a racial-ethnic group and that she will only focus on the similarities that exist within those families. However, each time I read this opening cautionary statement I felt myself feeling less and less convinced that there is even any reason to examine the characteristics within a particular racial-ethnic family. I have a feeling that within a particular racial-ethnic group there is more variation than between different racial-ethnic groups. I just wanted to get some opinions on whether people think it is even worth devoting an entire chapter describing in detail the different characteristics of these diverse families. Why might it be worth describing these families? 

Ali Mosser